But United boss Moyes, who last week said Rooney was not for sale, strengthened that stance and declared the 27-year-old striker was staying put.

"Unless I was speaking Double Dutch last week, we said Wayne Rooney is not for sale," said Moyes.

"People are entitled to talk about good players. I'm getting asked plenty of questions about Wayne.

"Jose has been asked about players as well. It's hard to keep repeating myself but I will - Wayne is a Manchester United player and it will remain that way.

"I think Jose said, in his comments, that he doesn't normally talk about other players. But it does happen."

(Image: PA)

Rooney's future has remained unresolved since he missed United's final two games of last season after Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the forward had asked to leave.

When asked whether Rooney and his representatives could clear up speculation by releasing a statement confirming his desire to stay at United, Moyes said: "I think I've covered all of the things on Wayne. I've given you everything about his injury.

"What you must remember is that Manchester United is a football club and I've got a team, and this is not about any one individual.

"I many ways, I'm only interested in the team. I will answer questions on Wayne, but some of them are just reverting back to things I've covered.

"It's a blow that we've lost him because he's been training well and looking very good. But unfortunately he just felt something in his hamstring.

"We did a check and found a slight grade one injury there, which will probably keep him out for about two to three weeks."

Moyes insisted Rooney's enforced withdrawal from the tour would not have an adverse effect on the forward's preparations for the new season.

Former United boss Ferguson spoke frequently last season about the need for Rooney to play consistently to be in peak physical condition.

A full, uninterrupted pre-season has been key to Rooney producing his best in recent seasons, but Moyes said he was not concerned at his fitness.

"I don't foresee any problem with Wayne starting the season and being fit for then," said Moyes.

(Image: Matthew Peters)

"He didn't train the last little bit. He just felt his hamstring tighten, so we pulled him out and didn't think anything of it.

"It was only when we got here we knew we weren't going to train him yesterday, and we thought, as a precaution, we would check it out.

"When we went to check it we saw a small grade one [tear]. We could maybe have taken him on to all the otrher places, but he couldn't have played the games.

"So for the benefit of the player the best thing to do was to get him home straight away and quickly into his rehabilitation.

"Remember, when we return from this tour we've still got games in Stockholm, Rio's testimonial and the Community Shield, so he can play in those games. It's important we get players fit for those games.

"We didn't expect it. But what would be the point in taking any risks? There's no point in taking any risks.

"We'll keep his work up. With hamstring injuries, you can do work in the pool and you can also do work in the gym."